Mikel Merino has revealed how he had quizzed Kieran Tierney on all things Arsenal before completing his big money move to the Emirates from Real Sociedad.The midfielder - who played a starring role in Spain's triumph at Euro 2024 - played alongside Tierney during the Scotland defender's year-long loan at La Liga club Sociedad last season.
The duo struck up a friendship, with one-time Newcastle loanee Merino one of the few players in the Basque team's squad who spoke fluent English.
Merino says he held lengthy discussions with the former Celtic star about what a move to North London would entail, with Mikel Arteta's side hoping to go one better this season after consecutive finishes as runner's up to Premier League champions Manchester City. “Yes, of course, we were talking last year as well, when we were there", he stated. "I was asking (Tierney) some questions, because I always want to learn new things, and how life was in Arsenal, how they were doing things.
We spoke a few hours ago as well, and he said that this is a huge step for me in terms of my football career and also that I will love London and England.
Read more on dailyrecord.co.uk